I’m always a little bit surprised to realize that the Duchess of Cambridge looks good in pale pink. I tend to believe her best colors are deep, rich reds, greens and blues, but here she is looking really good in pastel (or “petal”) pink. These are photos from Kate’s third event on Wednesday, her trip to the National Portrait Gallery in London. Kate spent the morning at Hampton Court and then Spencer House, doing a garden opening and a fundraising lunch. Then it was off to her “fun” event, with a costume change and a change of hairstyle. Her locks firmly re-curls and fluffed, she changed into this Alexander McQueen repeat. We saw this look on her in 2014, in Australia. I liked it then too, and this is one I hoped she would repeat at some point. She also wore some interesting jewelry: the necklace is the “Monica Vinader Diamond Cluster Bib” with matching earrings.
Unlike her drive-by charity work, Kate apparently stayed at the Vogue 100 exhibit for a while. It was said that she wanted to “soak in” the photos, and after she viewed her own portraits, she took a full tour of the exhibit. At one point, she chatted with Josh Olins, the photographer who did her Vogue portraits.
Chatting to him, Kate said of the portraits: ‘It doesn’t look like January. You did a very good job.’
Recalling the January shoot in a freezing field in Norfolk as looked at a picture of herself leaning on a fence, Kate told photographer Josh Olins: ‘It was such a lovely moment, a beautiful end to the day. It didn’t seem like January.’
So there’s an end to the mystery of when the portraits were taken. They were taken in January. When she was literally doing no royal work – her first real public appearance of 2016 was on February 7th. Is it just me or is it a weird choice to do an outdoor Vogue photoshoot in England in January? The whole thing is so odd to me, from the timing to the clothing choices to the location.
Also- the Daily Mail was making fun of Kate’s attempts to grow out her “mumsy fringe” and they compared her to her mother again. I say we shouldn’t spook her – she pulled her hair back for two events! Besides, growing out one’s mumsy fringe is actually an awkward process.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
She looks beautiful.
+1 Yes, and more sophisticated than her usual.
Lovely!
It’s very sophisticated and lovely. She looks nice!
I love this dress. And the jewelry.
She looks so much better here than in her portrait for Vogue, really pretty. I wonder, is gazing at one’s own picture considered a work event? Exhausting!
So how much time did she spend looking at photos of herself as compared to visiting the children ?
Stop. It. With. The. Crotch. Clutch. What is so difficult about waking with one’s hands at one’s sides gracefully and unobtrusively carrying one’s handbag?
Anne and Sophie are frequently photographed holding their hands the same way.
Occasionally. I wouldn’t say frequently. But are they seen actually walking that way All. The. Time? Walking and pressing their clutch against their crotches? Grasping a bag so hard that their knuckles turn white? Do they do this? http://www.celebitchy.com/469945/duchess_kate_releases_a_new_video_for_place2be_improving_or_awkward/ (Sorry, it won’t let me link directly to the video. But it’s right at the start.) Kate defenders were delighted to see Queen Jetsun doing it too. But she wasn’t doing the same thing. She was keeping her shawl in place and just clasping her hands together. I’ve seen a few women do the occasional “crotch clasp”. But not “clutch”. And plenty of other royal ladies, like Letizia, C.P. Mary, or QEII herself, don’t do either one. It doesn’t actually matter who else does it anyway. It’s awkward, and combined with The Hair, it only emphasizes Kate’s poor posture and rounded shoulders. I don’t know how she manages to walk like that either. Maybe she was told to do it. But I can’t imagine she was told to walk and do it, and do all the other things that I described, like holding her crotch. Maybe it’s not simply lazy and comfortable for her, (my guess). But it’s weird, with awful body language, AND looks like she just can’t be bothered to stand up straight.
They mostly follow HM’s example of bent arms, hands held near each other around waist height.
Looks like she’s been taught that, but just doesn’t carry it off naturally.
Good to know I’m not the only one whose bugged by this. It makes her look so uncomfortable and uneasy and it absolutely ruins her posture. I don’t know when I’ve last seen a 34 year old woman with the posture of 90 year old, her shoulders and upper back are so rounded and then she juts her hips and head forward so much that she ends up looking like a giant question mark.
My trainer calls that “crunch curve.” She said it comes from over strengthen the ab muscles while ignoring back muscles. A few changes to her workout regime would fix this.
Interesting about the crunch curve. I could see that. The 4″ heels and the way she holds her hands/clutch also contribute to the awful posture.
hi Megan, thanks for that insight! I wonder why her trainer hasn’t taken the time then to correct it?
Balancing her core muscles would add bulk to her shoulders. Her shoulders are naturally kind of broad so she may not want to make them bigger. Michelle Obama is a good example of someone with a balanced core.
@Megan…interesting. I was going for early kyphosis because she didn’t use to look like this. Or am I wrong?
I’ve never heard any chatter to indicate this is the case, but Kate may have scoleosis or some other spinal issue that causes her shoulders to hunch. I have a slight curve (12 degree) myself, but that’s enough to throw your entire body out of alignment…and it hurts. A trainer can help strengthen and stretch to balance the curve, but it never goes away. I feel like a sad little hunchback when people dig on her posture…not in an offended way, just putting it out there for thought.
I have no idea if this is posting to the correct place, please excuse my poor commenting skillz!
Clasping hands in front of you is a self soothing mechanism. It’s usually unintentional, a way of creating a subtle barrier that provides a sense of security in situations that cause one anxiety. Even someone born to this life can feel anxious in the spotlight: Prince Charles’ frequent checking of his cuff-links at events is of the same motivation as Will and Kate’s clutching. Body language is a clear indicator of a person’s confidence, (Queen Letizia!) or lack thereof 🙁 .
I agree CuriousCole! Queen Letiza is my posture guru!
You know, my sister recently got married, and I noticed in the photos that when I felt anxious or uncertain, or not sure what to do, I held my hands in front of myself in a really tight and rigid position.
This was the first time I have noticed myself doing this. I previously hadn’t thought anything of her holding her bag, but now imagine it could be like my subconscious position. Still, this was my first wedding, and she’s been royal for 5 years – I would hope she has people who could point it out to and train her not to do it!
Example of two Queens… http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/03/16/32CC7BB300000578-3521384-image-a-8_1459696338116.jpg
Kate, take notes… They both look fabulous..
She does look great in that color, and I like the necklace. Don’t yell at me, but I think the neckline in an inch or two too low.
Won’t yell…I agree it is too low for daytime business.
I think this was an evening event.
I agree. Inappropriate for a day trip to a museum of sorts.
Kate: she just can’t figure this out.
Agreed. I couldn’t figure out if this was a night or day event. Low neckline, bib necklace, a suit of sorts and hair down. Confusing.
I agree. For a Royal appearance during the day, this neckline is inappropriate. It was inappropriate the last time she wore it, too. The color is good on her though. This dress would be great with a scarf, and her hair pulled back out of the way.
Terrible posture. The hair hides the jewelry. Crotch clutching. Nothing changes…
I agree with everything you said. Also, why is she always so matchy-matchy. Pink shoes? Ugh
Really boring outfit for an Alexander McQueen. He wouldn’t be happy seeing this.
A pretty scarf would have been perfect. She doesn’t wear many scarves that I recall, though, does she?
I like how you gingerly tip toed into the lair of the coven meekly lol. That’s so against type feisty lady. Lol
Seriously you are right. She looks lovely but the low neckline doesn’t fit the event.
Now let me get back to my cauldron to throw in my eye of newt.
For me she pulls it off as daywear only because she has a small bust so there’s no cleavage situation. Bigger chested gals wouldn’t get away with it.
We can see her ribs.
Isn’t that just fabric folding is she walks?
Yes. Those are clearly not her ribs.
I think you meant sternum.
She’s very close to her wedding weight were she dieted herself down to the point you could see her chest bones.
The bones we see at the sternum are her ribs – where they attach to the breast bone.
The dress is a lovely color, but I absolutely loathe peplums.
Sad to see she didn’t pick up any pointers from the Vogue makeup artists. Anyone care to wager what she spends on eyeliner and blush in a year? 😉
Ok, so she did change after going to the playground. Why the hell then did she wear a gray winter coat & heels to play with kids?? This woman annoys me to no end. Just ugh…
I agree. I do not get those : Winter jacket in Spring, especially not at a park with kids wearing short sleeves. That makes her seem as if she does not get the event she is going to. Just dress, whatever way she wants, with no care for the event (except when she goes with a theme). I think it is just someone who did not work and never had to figure out what ‘casual business attire’ means.
A nicely tailored trouser suit with low heeled shoes would have been perfect for the playground and charity visit. Maybe someday!
She doesn’t like trouser suits. They don’t suit her. I’m the same. So I don’t wear them. I can never understand the obsession with Kate having to wear a trouser suit?
How can you say trouser suits don’t suit her when she has never been seen wearing them. The only time she wears trousers are when they are skin tight jeggings for more casual settings.
Most women in their 30s who need to dress professionally wear trousers at least once in a while. She never does and in situations where you have to bend down, it would make a lot more sense.
But then again she has never held down a job for any significant period of time in her adult life so how would she know what professional women do.
She needs lessons from Queen Letizia. It is possible to look fabulous in pants.
IMO, she can’t show off her legs in pants. But give her a pair of jeggings, skirts, floaty dresses and heels and she’s good to go.
Anyone answer this question….To get the loose waves/ curls like that, does one use a Curling Iron? Or put them in big, oversize curlers – an hour, or overnight, or what?
And do you suppose hairspray is used to help hold the curls? I wonder if her hair is stiff from spray?
I’m going to a wedding soon, and I wanted some tips on how to achieve that loose curl look.
My hairdresser used to blow my roots dry, but not the rest of my hair, then take a small section, warm it with the blow dryer, spray it with some holding spray, curl it around two fingers and pin it in place with those small silver clips. Spray it. Leave it for about ten minutes. Undo the clips and gently unroll the curls. Use your fingers to gently shake it loose. Don’t brush it. Spray it again. She called these Victoria Secret curls. I would obviously practice it before hand.
I bet you looked great, GNAT 🙂
Use large Velcro rollers. I put mine in while my hair is slightly damp and let my hair dry completely prior to taking them out. I put a little mouse in my hair before I put the rollers in to hold the curl. Looks awesome afterwards.
Doesn’t it squeak and try to make a nest?
Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.
Unless your hair is fine and stick straight like mine. Velcro rollers aren’t hardcore enough to make my boring hair curl. It takes heat, product, tools, etc.
Yup, that would be me, too. Fine textured, naturally straight and quick to lose a curl.
To have a hope of holding its curls, I will have to spray the hair, but I want to avoid it feeling like an unwieldy helmet. Anyone recommend a strong but gentle spray…..you know what I mean!
It depends on the length of your hair.
Blow dry with mousse and then use a large curling iron to wrap the sections of hair around it not in the clamps. The mousse will kick in and hold the curl. Pull the iron downward slowly to achieve a loose spiral. Make sure to finish off the ends if they look too straight by putting them briefly in the clamps and curl.
Arrange hair like you want it and then lightly spray with holding spray. The key is not too much mousse or spray that it ends up crunchy but just enough for hold.
I suggest trying it a few times so it feels natural. You can pull the curl a little before to stretch it out before the spray.
Once you find your groove it is very quick. I’ve adjusted this according to length but those are the basics.
Different things work according to texture but give it try and see. 🙂
Bluhare lol! That was cute!
Mousse
Yeah, the mouse thing is LOL, and that’s coming from a person who has a pathological reaction of disgust with mice. Brrrr….
Thanks to all who chimed in with tips.
This is the second I’ll go to the foot of our stairs post today. Three events in 24 hours. Good grief. I don’t care about clothes and make up, so I have nothing to moan about. Gah.
Don’t forget that she’s stacking the numbers to justify her prolonged jaunt to Wimbledon. But yeah, nothing to see here.
last time she wore this outfit she flashed some Australian teenage boys her bra cos its too low cut. They took pictures which their parents made them delete. With her awful posture I wouldn’t be surprised if someone got a sight of her bra again. The outfit should have been retired after that. We don’t need to see the royal ribcage
I think this dress could be salvaged – all she needs is a silk scarf to cover up the low v neck. I don’t understand how she would feel comfortable wearing this as is, given her role as a representative of the Queen at a daytime event.
OT: Vogue could have found someone better for their anniversary edition. Kate is truly underwhelming from a fashion standpoint.
Another fail from Tash the “stylist”.
The photos were underwhelming for Vogue. They are the kind of photos Id expect to see in People Magazine or Hello Magazine
Tash is as much a stylist as I am super model. They need an intervention on how to select their staff.
She naturally has muted coloring, so muted tones, such as this pink dress work for her. The only thing I hate are the pointed toe shoes. I hate pointed toe shoes – I don’t ‘get’ them.
No judgement. I am also growing out mumsy fringe and about to give a speech to 50 people at a podium. Sad as a women I think people will judge my appearance as well as my speech much more than a man.
Her hair is really good, some ladies wished they had her issues
i bet you look gorgeous, and you will be great. Good for you – public speaking makes me want to throw up.
I would suggest to add a tiny crinoline under the skirt, as she’s so narrow through the hip the peplum looks odd, and further elongated get torso. A slightly fuller skirt would make this outfit a knockout.
Since she’s not going to change hair, makeup, shoes, clutch, or posture… but she loves a fit and flare, I believe this change is possible.
I totally agree. My first thought was that she doesn’t have the hips for that peplum but puffing out the skirt a bit solves that.
I think she looks pretty good–nice change of pace, Kate!
Boring as can be.
Shows up to look at glossy photos of herself. Such exhausting work, how does she manage a few hours of this a month?
“It’s part of the job, Mark!!”
oops, wrong Lamebridge 😉
People mentioned the necklace and I had to squint to see it because the Hair covers it. The dress is fine, but the V is still too deep.
Peplum is hideous, but someone as insanely thin as she is can almost pull it off. I just don’t see the point of peplum, though. Like…who even thought that concept up??
Once again, I wonder why she finds public appearances so exhausting when all she does it get criticized for every effing thing she does, wears, emotes, styles, or positions her hands. #sarcasm
She looks lovely. She did official work in January by posing for Vogue representing the royal family. Having to prep and behave perfectly while dozens or hundreds of cameras are on you and any tiny mistake is front page news and dissected on sites like this would be wearying. Stand down.
This is getting old. One would think she isn’t an adult in her mid-30’s.
The excuses for her are ridiculous, always have been. She’s 34 year old with two kids, two nannies, two housekeepers, and two dozen office staff to do the majority of the prep work. All that is asked is that she show up prepared, show up more often, and do something with the platform she has.
Tell me about it. Maybe we sound protect the poor lamb in cashmere swaddling.
*should* not sound autocorrect sorry.
Stand down? This isn’t a war; it’s a gossip site on the interwebz!
S – there are many Kate fan sites where the comments are nothing but love. This site – Celebitchy – is letting you snark is welcome with it’s name alone. Frankly, some of the snark is down right hilarious.
Kate looks larger, more shapely, than the last time she was photographed in that outfit in AUS. It’s to be expected after a second baby and she’s aging. As a result she’s looks much better, much healthier.
A nice but boring outfit. I think the neck is too low and it would better with not such a deep V. Also the hair hides the necklace. Otherwise she looks appropriate for the event
Well, it’s kind of . . . both. Which it’s supposed to be. This IS her trademark style: pretty and unthreatening. Very few women don’t look good in this color, IMO. It’s spring-like, well-tailored, I like the hem length, the low neckline gives it a little sex, her legs look good. She’s not a real beauty, her looks don’t have the distinction of Diana’s, the gorgeous skin and enormous blue eyes, but she cleans up nice and does do this kind of thing well, and this is what works for the job. I don’t however care for the jewelry, not sure why. I know it sounds so stuffy but I’d have done pearls with this . . .
Nice to hear she drove to the photo shoot in January for that country girl image in hair rollers. Very down to earth and au natural. Pretty colour that pale pink outfit it suits her colouring. The photographs in January for Vogue, Kate in her mid 30s didn’t Diana Do her photo shoot mid 30s for Vogue although indoors in April. Anyway do we need any more reminders the ring is prominent enough don’t you think.
She looks lovely
She looks nice and the color looks nice on her. But I’m not sure about the peplum and shape. She has the body of a swimmer so her shoulders are broad (nothing to criticize I just mean it from a silhouette standpoint) so I’m not too fond of the style. It makes it look like her top half and bottom half don’t match. She has a challenge with her long torso but some of her choices are odd. I think she’s sensitive about this and I get that. Her jackets should hit lower to give the illusion of longer legs.
I had to skip the bolero trend because I looked like a jacked up matador with an afterthought of a torso. I know we can’t wear every trend.
She can still be fashionable and current but with better lengths and cuts.
I think the third photo down looks like a throw back to Uni days Kate . The real smile and the slightly fuller face. She does look lovely if only she would stand up straight!
This! I loved uni Kate! She was so cute, youthful and sincere!
Think Waity is so self absorbed so vain always looking more than skinny not a good sign for younger girls definitely not good advert.. She always is in designer wear its more about her clothes hair jewellery shoes just like a mannequin who models..In fact she is a member of the BRF abd doesnt act likebshe cares about diddly squat other than the clothes.. The other members of BRF talk correctly act appropriately whereas this fashion obsessed stupid lazy girl woman does not even speak properly when trying to do a speech its absolutely disgraceful.. She is a total embarrassment to our BRF..
especially showingnher nether regions 15 times on Royal outings in diffrrent countries ..latest outfit was showing her bust not elegant at all but she is just an exhibitionist. ..
I agree.
I’m glad she’s “working” (gazing at photos of yourself as work? Really?)
I’m glad she appears to be smiling, engaged.
However.
That dress is tooooo LOW-CUT.
Without even trying, simply by keeping my eyes open as I gaze at the pic, I can see down her shirt and the full inside of her, ahem, bust.
Looking at pictures of the future Queen at work should *not* make me into an inadvertent pervert. Yet it does. Good job Kate!
The jewelry is my favorite part of this. other than that, meh….
What the f*@$#? Spends over an hour looking at the photos and 30 minutes with children. This woman makes me seethe at this point. She (and that man child) is one of the most vapid, self absorbed, careless people I have ever heard of. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan aren’t even bothering to hide their contempt for the public and their duties. It makes me sick. I would dump her as a patron so quickly; she does nothing for them.
And don’t even get me started on that quote. People act like she’s soooo profound. I have yet to hear anything from her that shows some semblance of intelligence.
Ugh.